This program is aimed at introducing teenagers to the sport and fun of sailing and enabling them to develop their skills at their own pace. MHYC is an accredited Discover Sailing Centre and uses Australian Sailing's national program to teach the basic fundamentals of sailing through to racing skills including spinnaker and trapeze use.

Start Sailing 1

Your Discover Sailing journey starts here as you learn the fundamental skills of sailing and are introduced to the fun of dinghy sailing in a safe and supportive environment. Areas covered in the course include basic clothing and equipment selection, sailing terminology, boat launch and recovery and capsize recovery.

Start Sailing 2

Your Discover Sailing journey continues as you master all of the fundamental dinghy sailing skills. Rigging of the boat, capsize recovery in deeper water, sail a triangular course, basic sailing rules and theory is covered during this course to give the participant a deeper understanding of sailing.

Better Sailing

Discover Sailing in stronger winds as you develop the skills required to get maximum speed from your dinghy. Your journey speeds up as you experience using a spinnaker.

Start Racing

You can join in the fun and challenge of competition as you learn the basics of racing. Learn the basic racing rules, perform essential racing skills, gunwale capsize recovery.

Better Racing

Having enjoyed your introduction to racing it is now time to improve your performance and compete at a higher level. A greater understanding of tactics, wind patterns and boat tuning techniques will all help you get there.

MHYC Race Squad

Members of this squad have usually graduated from our Optimist racing squad or have completed Better Racing or have equivalent skills. They sail in a range of classes. On Sunday afternoons, members have briefings before and after racing with the MHYC Coach who also provides on-water support. Sailors often also train on Wednesdays during Summer. Members of this squad may attend regattas such as the NSW Youth Championships, QLD Youth Week, Class State and National Championships and Australian Youth Championships.

Melges 20 Youth Sailing

Once you've developed some expertise, why not try sailing a sportboat? The club has access to four Melges 20 sportboats that are available to sail or race in the club's poinscore on Saturdays. These boats are available to all members on a limited basis, thanks to the generosity of the owners of the boats. If you are interested in racing but not keen on committing week in and week out, become part of the 'pool' of registered crews and skippers and sail when it suits you.

Another option that is available with the Melges 20 is to offer an extra level of coaching once the Discover Sailing and Learn to Race programs are completed. This is specifically aimed at giving the graduates of these youth courses the confidence to race competently, with emphasis on starting and tactics and manoeuvres such as gybing an asymmetrical spinnaker in different breeze strengths.

Please note that the Youth Sailing Program requires MHYC Youth Membership (2017/2018 Season $99.00). Please select "Member" or "Non-Member" during online registration. Non-Members can download the application form here. Please email the completed form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or drop it in to the office.

Please note that the Youth Sailing Program requires MHYC Youth Membership (2017/2018 Season $99.00). Please select "Member" or "Non-Member" during online registration. Non-Members can download the application form here. Please email the completed form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or drop it in to the office.

MHYC Race Squad - Pre-Christmas

Race Squad operates from 12.00am - 4.00pm during September and from 12.30am - 4.30pm during daylight saving

For further information about any of the programs, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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About Us

Middle Harbour Yacht Club lies on the shores of The Spit, some 7 kilometres North of Sydney's CBD.

With a membership of 1500, we are one of Australia's largest yacht clubs, and recognised as a national leader in sail training and associated education programs.

At the highest level of competition in our sport, our members and their boats have continued a tradition of excellence winning all of Australia's top events and bringing home many international honours.